Jean Laffite and the Big Ol' Whale - Hardcover

Fox, Frank G.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0374336695 ISBN 13: 9780374336691

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), 2003

Synopsis

A hero and a friendship born on the Mississippi

The legendary pirate and hero of the nineteenth century Jean Laffite is the main character in a tale as tall as can be. Young Jean knows about as much as a body can about the Mississippi River, so it's up to him to save the day when the river suddenly goes bone-dry down New Orleans way. A walk north reveals the problem: a whale has swum up the mighty river and gotten himself lodged between the banks. Ever resourceful, Jean manages to solve the problem with a mere pinch of cayenne pepper, making a friend for life at the same time.
Pairing a folksy narrative with pictures full of life, this original story is fun for the whole family.

About this title

About the Author

Frank G. Fox lives in San Marcos, Texas. This is his first children's book.

Scott Cook has illustrated many books for children, including Lapin Plays Possum by Sharon Arms Doucet. He lives in Sandwich, Massachusetts.

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-4-Although Jean Laffite was a real figure, nothing much is known about him except that he was a pirate who preyed on the ships coming into New Orleans in the early 1800s, and that he fought heroically with the young United States against the British during the War of 1812. This tall tale recounts how he saves the Mississippi River and gains a huge friend. It tells how he himself was rescued by the river fishermen near New Orleans when he was a baby, and swam all the way to Minnesota and floated back when he was seven. But when Jean is 16, the river mysteriously dries up overnight, and he uses a little bit of cayenne pepper to solve a whale of a problem. This rollicking good yarn is brought to life with Cook's warm, glowing oil paintings full of action and humor. The story will be enjoyed as a read-aloud, as a shared one-on-one experience, or as part of a storyteller's repertoire. An excellent addition to any collection, particularly those specializing in Louisiana lore.
Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0374336695
• ISBN 13: 9780374336691
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Cook Scott